This week, our rescue dog Bindi turned two.
Being in lockdown with a new KitchenAid mixer has already been a dangerous mix (no pun intended), and Joe and I have been trying our hand at dough & bread making as a pass time. As a result, I figured I'd make something a little special for the birthday dog in the house!
I began browsing online for recipes that required minimal ingredients that I already had at home. I stumbled upon this Pumpkin Dog Cake Recipe on Google, and it ticked all the boxes I was looking for. Keep in mind I'm NOT a baker, so if I can do it, anyone can!
This is what the recipe calls for (anything in red, I substituted):
INGREDIENTS
PUMPKIN DOG CAKE
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
3/4 cup pumpkin pureé
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - We subbed for one ripe banana instead.
1/4 cup smooth natural peanut butter - We used chunky natural peanut butter.
2 large eggs
1-2 tablespoons local honey
Click here for baking instructions. Note: I used loaf baking pans as opposed to circular baking pans, and our cakes were ready after 25 minutes.
CAKE TOPPERS
This recipe also has a Peanut Butter Yogurt Frosting to go along with it, but I didn't have enough Greek Yogurt on hand to put it together. Instead, I opted for:
Melted coconut oil drizzle
Pure Pumpkin Puree (to bind the two cakes together)
Kiwi
Raspberry
Old Mother Hubbard's Dog Treats (Some of Bindi's favourite)
Other alternatives:
Blueberries
Small amounts of pineapple
Peach (no pit)
Shredded Chicken
Sardines
Salmon Oil
Goat's Milk Kefir
OVERALL REVIEW
This cake was a hit! Even prior to baking, the dogs were thrilled at the batter. Take a look at Bindi's ever present EYE BULGE:
In the end, I'd make this recipe again. It was extremely doable for my non-baker self, and the cakes in the oven made our home smell amazing. Just about everything this recipe called for was already available in our kitchen cupboard, making it even easier for us to put together.
Therefore, I'm giving this recipe a 10/10 - happy dogs, and happy humans!
Happy Birthday Bindi!
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